To thank the over 600 migrant workers who toiled day and night to get the Metro up and running, Kochi Metro on Monday, 12 June, organised a traditional Kerala feast – a sadhya – as a gesture of gratitude for their efforts.

The feast was attended by many top Kerala Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) officials and included cultural events with music and dance.

The Kochi Metro is slated to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on Saturday, June 17.

An unexpected treat

The feast was a pleasant surprise for most of the workers, who were greeted by a sumptuous spread of rice and more than nine vegetable dishes, two payasam and pappadam.

Most of the labourers are from outside Kerala, from states like Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and Tamil Nadu.

One of the workers, Gokul Ram, was quoted by The Times of India as saying, “I reached here three months back along with 19 others from Purnia district in Bihar. I am doing steel work in Kaloor Metro site for 12 hours a day for Rs 400. Though this is a low wage, we have no other option but to work here. This is my first Kerala sadhya.”

Yusaf Ali from Assam said, “I have been working here for the last eight months and this is my first sadya. I enjoyed it very much.”

The Logical Indian community appreciates the Kochi Metro for their considerate move in showing their gratitude to the hundreds of workers whose sweat is to thank for the Kochi Metro. We hope that more private and government bodies show consideration towards their work force so that the work dynamics are smooth and productive.